GMYF seeks feedback on Mellands Playing Fields transformation
The charity has unveiled proposals to bring the Gorton site back into active use with plans to create 282 homes, two sports pitches, and a youth, sports, and community hub between Mount Road and Wembley Road.
Greater Manchester Youth Federation is seeking to lead the community-led transformation of Mellands Playing Fields, which once played an important local role until its closure before the pandemic.
As a youth services provider, GMYF’s proposals for the site feature 36 independent living flats for young adults aged 18-25 leaving the care system. Operated by youth homelessness charity Centrepoint, each studio apartment would be affordable.
Sally Orlopp, director of people, property, and independent living at Centrepoint, said: “By working in partnership with GMYF in Gorton, we are able to help meet the housing needs of young people in Manchester by giving them a home, which can act as a stepping-stone into longer-term independent housing.”
Kellen Homes are working in partnership with GMYF. Credit: via Gillespies
Housebuilder Kellen Homes would work in partnership with GMYF to deliver a further 246 homes available under a mix of tenures, including affordable housing.
Mark Calvert, land director of Kellen Homes commented: “The mix of new homes we’re proposing will be in a mix of sizes and tenure types to suit first-time buyers, growing families, and downsizers.
“The new homes will include enhanced insulation to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs”, he continued. “We will also be planting trees and making other landscape enhancements to support wildlife and biodiversity, as well as improving walking and cycling routes to encourage sustainable travel.”
Sports pitches would also be provided. Credit: via Gillespies
Proposals also include a youth, sports, and community hub on site to house GMYF’s programme of youth-focused activities. These activities would run during the afternoons and evenings, while local community groups would have access to the facility during the day.
Two grass football pitches and changing facilities are also proposed to provide sports provision for both residents and the local community.
Karen Wilson, chief executive of GMYF, said: “The youth of Manchester are at the heart of our proposals, and we believe that the new youth, sports and community hub will provide fantastic benefits for the local community in Gorton…
“By working in partnership with Centrepoint and Kellen Homes, we can put our youth, sports, and community provision on a financially sustainable footing and ensure we have a positive, active presence in Gorton for generations to come.”
A public consultation on the proposals for the playing fields will run until Tuesday 6 June.
The consultation can be accessed at mellands-consultation.co.uk.
Alternatively, GMYF is holding two drop-in sessions:
- Monday 22 May at Gorton Education Village from 4 pm-6:30 pm
- Tuesday 23 May at Gorton Library from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.
